Firefighters check Cape Coral high-rises after earthquake in Cuba

January 9, 2014

Firefighters made a precautionary walk-through of several high-rises in the Cape following numerous calls of reports of buildings swaying Thursday afternoon.

The swaying appears to be the result of an earthquake of the northern coast of Cuba around 4 p.m. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck approximately 112 miles east of Havana Cuba and southeast of Key West. Cape Coral police reported multiple 911 calls for reports of "buildings swaying" at both Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour along the coast. Firefighters from Engine 9, Ladder 6 and Rescue 6 investigated the buildings to assure there was no damage and to check the fire suppression systems.

While it is rare, there have been earthquakes around Florida in the past. In January 1880, Cuba was the center of two strong earthquakes that sent severe shock waves through the town of Key West, Florida. The tremors occurred at 11 p.m. on Jan. 22 and at 4 a.m. on the 23rd. At Buelta Abajo and San Christobal, Cuba, many buildings were thrown down and some people were killed. On Dec. 26, 1940 a slight shock was felt in the Tampa Bay area. On Jan. 19, 1942 five to seven evenly spaced tremors were felt from Miami throughout the Everglades. Each shock lasted about 1 minute, and the shocks were spaced at 3 minutes according to the USGS.

The investigation by firefighters was a precautionary measure. There were no reports of any damage or injuries in Cape Coral.